Scientific Method
What is Science?
Science is a method people use to study the natural world. It is the process that uses observation
and investigation to gain knowledge. YOU USE IT EVERYDAY!!!
Six steps of the S. M.
State the problem: Why is that doing that? Or Why is this not working?
Gather information: Research problem and get background info
Form a hypothesis: a possible explanation for the problem using what you know and what you
observe.
Test the hypothesis: Make observations, build a model and relate to real-life or experiment.
Experiment: testing the effects of one thing on another using controlled conditions.
Variable: a quantity that can have more than a single value. (Dependent vs independent)
Constant: a factor that does not change when other variables change.
Control: the standard by which the test results can be compared
Analyze data: recording data and organizing it into tables and graphs.
Draw conclusions: based on your analysis of your data, you decide whether or not your
hypothesis is supported.
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Science Spot Website. Great info!! This comes with overhead and kids’ worksheet.
http://www.sciencespot.net/Media/scimethodwkst.pdf
I use a variety of lessons and activities to introduce students to the process of scientific inquiry.
During the two days of the unit, we discuss the unit notes and students complete the "Drops on a
Penny" lab. During the lab, students investigate cohesion as they try to fit as many drops of water
as possible on one side of a penny. As we discuss the lab results, I ask students to identify the
various steps involved in the experiment (hypotheis, testing, analysis, and conclusion) and
challenge them to evaluate the reliability of the collected data. I use the SpongeBob worksheets
(described below) to discuss variables and controls as well as relate the concepts to the "Drops on
a Penny" lab. We also discuss safety rules for the science classroom to lay the "ground rules" for
future lab work. I have also provided worksheets for Independent Investigations, which are used
throughout the remainder of the school year to provide opportunities for students to use the
scientific method. More information about the Independent Investigations has been provided in
that section below.
Scientific Method Unit Notes - Scientific Method Notes (pdf) - The note worksheet I use to
introduce a basic version of the "scientific method". The download includes a student worksheet
as well as an answer key that can be used to make an overhead master. This page is just one of
the unit note pages. I have students staple other worksheets from this unit to the note page. At the
end of the unit, they have a set of notes that will help them complete the unit review and prepare
for the unit exam.
NOTE: I emphasize that there are several different versions of the "scientific method". While
there are similarities and differences between the scientific methods available, all the versions
describe an organized process that helps us find answers to questions. The other worksheets
provided for this unit may be adapted to fit the scientific method you use for your unit.
Pendulum lab
http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/pendulum.html
Overview: Students will use the scientific method to solve a problem. They have the freedom
to design, conduct, and gather their data and draw their own conclusions.
Instructions:
1. Show a pendulum to the students (simply a weight attached to a string). Swing the pendulum.
2. Ask students the following: Does the number of times the pendulum swing depend on the
weight attached to it, or the length of the string?
3. Students then work in pairs to develop a way to answer the question. You may need to
remind them of controls and variables. That they should test one variable (length or weight)
while leaving the other variable constant.
4. Students test their hypothesis to answer the question. They should organize their data onto a
chart or graph.
Materials given to students:
-String
-Masking tape (to secure pendulums- warn students not to hold the pendulums in their hand)
-Various weights (paper clips can also work)
5. Students will then write their conclusions based on the data they gathered and turn in a report
6. Report should contain the following:
--Introduction, question and hypothesis
--Description of how you designed your experiment
--Data tables or graphs
-- Conclusions
Other worksheets available for the Scientific Method ..
• Scientific Method Review Puzzle (pdf) - I use this crossword as a review page for my Scientific
Method unit.
• Scientific Method Word Search (pdf) - I use this word search as an extra credit assignment. The
page also includes a make-a-word challenge using the letters in "Scientific Method".
Scientific method (real life examples worksheets)
http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/scientificmethodstories.html
Simple worksheets for variables
http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/controls.html
LAB: Float an egg
http://ouray.cudenver.edu/~slfriend/pdf/floatingeggs.pdf
LAB: Scientific method activities.
http://ouray.cudenver.edu/~slfriend/scimethact.htm
Independent Investigation worksheets- Independent Investigation Lab Worksheet (pdf),
Independent Investigation Guidelines (pdf) , and Independent Investigation Grade Rubric (pdf)
At the end of my scientific method unit, I challenge my students (usually working in pairs) to
create an experiment of their own using pennies and drops of water by following the basic steps
in the scientific method. A few ideas ... Which will hold more drops of water: cold penny or hot
penny; new penny or old penny; and head side or tail side? Student groups have also created
experiments to test different substances: different brands of soaps, shampoo/conditioners, or
other safe household liquids. I always emphasize the need for safety! Each group must have my
permission before attempting any part of the experiment. If a group has not addressed possible
errors or safety rules, I have them rewrite the lab until it meets with my approval.
Other ideas ... I give the students several chances throughout the year to create their own
experiments using the Independent Investigation format. I provide only the topic and allow the
students to create a question and design an experiment to find an answer. My students have
experimented with bouncy balls, Hot Wheels cars, tops, yo-yos, and other toys that are easily
available. For example, students work in pairs to create a question about bouncy balls, such as
"Does the diameter of the ball influence the height of the bounce?" Students design the
experiment by completing the first few sections on Ind. Investigation worksheet and have the
experiment approved by me before they attempt the lab. If time is available after the labs are
completed (or as an extra credit on-your-own-time project), I have the groups exchange
experiments. After the experiments are completed, the groups meet to discuss the results, which
provides a great opportunity to discuss problems related to the design of the experiment or data
collection. Many times the groups come up with different results and the kids ask to repeat the
experiment to see who is right! It is great to see them taking the initiative to experiment on their
own and develop ways to address errors that could cause unreliable data - all without prodding
from me!
Don't miss this one ... Want great ideas for your students to investigate? Visit the COIILS Science Experiments Page for lots of great experiment ideas! My 7th & 8th grade students have
participated in this online project for the past few years and it has been a great challenge for
them. One of the best things about the project is the online database. Students can add their data
to the database as well as view or download data from schools in all parts of the country!
Consumer's Challenge (T. Trimpe, Havana Junior High, Havana, IL)
My students work in research teams (2-4 students) to challenge the claims of products available
to consumers. From paper towel advertisements to powerful battery claims, my students take the
lead in their learning and investigate their world using the scientific method.
During the first part of the project, students choose a product, create their question/hypothesis,
and develop their procedure. They are required to incorporate methods to ensure reliable results
and to address safety concerns. Before the experiment day, teams list the materials needed and
gain final approval from me. After the experiment, students use their data to construct a graph
and write a conclusion. Each team is required to create a presentation to report their findings to
their classmates.
The students earn two grades: one for the experiment portion and another for their group work.
While I determine the grade for the experiment portion of the project, the students help determine
the member grades (effort and participation) by completing a Group Rating form. The form
allows them to assess the effort and participation for themselves as well as for their classmates.
The scores are averaged to calculate the individual grades for each team member.
Student Worksheets: Consumer's Challenge (pdf) - Includes all the worksheets and grade rubrics
for this activity.
Scientific Method: Examples and Links
Step 1:
State the problem.
You cannot solve a problem until you know exactly what it is.
My Problem is - "I need a date for Friday Night".
Step 2:
Research the problem.
What will it take to solve my problem?
What do I know, and need to know, about my problem?
To solve my problem, "I need someone to take out Friday Night".
Who can I take?
- Examine the possibilities.
- Eliminate poor choices.
- Consider likely choices.
Step 3:
Form a hypothesis. A possible solution to my problem.
The simplest solution is often the best solution!
"My date will be ( Name )".
Step 4:
Test the hypothesis. Perform an experiment to see if your hypothesis works.
"Ask ( Name ) for a date Friday Night".
Step 5:
Draw conclusions from the data.
Data are the results of an experiment.
In its simplest form, there are only two possible conclusions:
Conclusion 1 If your hypothesis was correct, you now have a date for Friday.
PROBLEM SOLVED!
Conclusion 2 If your hypothesis was incorrect, the experiment failed.
DON'T GIVE UP!
DO MORE RESEARCH!
- What was wrong with your original hypothesis?
- Did you make a poor selection?
- Was your experiment flawed?
- Form another hypothesis based on additional research.
- Test the new hypothesis.
Continue this process until the problem is solved!
Research Links:
* Designing and Conducting Scientific Experiments - The Science Room
* Mankato State University provides a more detailed explaination of The Scientific Method.
* Science For All Americans is a good online book to read.
* A detailed explaination of the Uncertainty in Measurement, from the National Institute of
Standards and Technology.
* Science, Design, and Education - Students' Information Technology (SIT), University of
Wisconsin - Madison
* Problem Based Learning is part of NASA's Classroom of the Future.
* The Center for Critical Thinking will help you understand how to evaluate your learning
experience.
* Teaching Critical Thinking and the Scientific Method at the Society for Developmental
Biology.
* The book On Being a Scientist: Responsible Conduct in Research should be required reading
for all Science Students!
* There IS such a thing as Bad Science.
* Richard Feynman on The Scientific Method and Teaching.
* The TWINKIES PROJECT isn't exactly the scientific method, but it's fun.
* Galileo and Einstein knew something of the scientific method.
Scientific Inquiry Standards - 12A, 13A, 14A, 15A
Communication Standards - 15A, 16A, 17A, 18A, 18B
English Content Standards - 1A, 2A, 2B, 3A, 4A, 5A, 10A, 11A, 11B, 12B, 13A